River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1887-02-24

onlyt 90 pleased.
When the party had gone some dis.
lance Mai. Henderson. wishing to en-.
Joy quiet half-hour reading, suggested
that he should sit down and rest little
while Maude conducted Mr.. Browne to
a spot close by whence good view Of
Snowdon could be obtained.
IL would fain. like you rest awhile, y
replied Mr.. Browne; 'sbut as the day i
so unusually clear feel | must make
an effort 10 take advantage of it,
especially as this young lady has Sc
kindly consented to act as my guide.
And so Mr.. Browne hobbled off, with
Maude walking patiently beside him.
As soon as the trees had hidden the
lovers from view Jack drew Maude to
him, while she, half-laughing and hall
crying, stroked his long gray beard.
20, Jack, whatever made YOU ccme
like this? What do YOU intend to do?''
This. my sweetest" and the bold
lover drew from his pocket a marriage
license and a wedding ring. Half play
fully the gallant Lieutenant removed
Maude's glove and slipped on the ring.
"What dear little hand it looks!'' he
cried rapturously; ''and how happy |
shall be when can call its dear owner
my sweet little wife.
A slight sound fell on their ears, and
looking up they beheld Maj. Henderson
not hundred yards off.
Maude would have been grateful to
the earth had it opened at that moment
to receive her, but as it showed no
signs of accommodating her she olsen
gagged herself from Mr.. Browne S
embrace and hastily handed him back
the ring.
Mr.. Browne was equal to the oc-
casion, although he had grave mis-
givings, as he hobbled toward Mai.
Henderson. Were you Fastening to
join Us? You see we haven't got far
l am wretched walker at the best of
times; and in such scenery as this one
feels forced to pause frequently to look
around.
Il expected to meet you coming
back" exclaimed the Major. but |
was looking for you in that direction,
indicating another path more to the
right. Il was quite surprised when
saw you coming toward me-"
With what feelings of relief did the
lovers listen to the Majors innocent
remarksi
At their early dinner the Major drew
from his pocket letter which he had
received by the mornings post and had
forgotten to read. With polite ''Ex-
cuse' me. my dear, to his niece, he
hastily glanced at the contents, II
must leave for London by the Il O'Clock
train tomorrow morning." he exclaim-
ed This letter is of the utmost i'm
portance.. How stupid of me to have
delayed reading it."
''Am to accompany you, uncle?"
asked Maude family.
mo, no, my dear; there's no need
for you to do that. / shall be back
here by the evening of the following
day"
The Major was very preOccupied un-
til dinner was over, but as Maude had
also much food for reflection silence
was agreeable to both.
Il wonder if l could do anything for
Mr.. Browne while | am in town."
queried the Major. MY DEAR" turn
ing to Maude, lust write little note
to him asking him to step over for
minute. You know we half promised
to show him the way to Fairy Glen this
afternoon. l don't feel inclined for
any more walking myself; but there is
no reason why you shouldn' accompa-
ny him, if you are not tired and he is
agreeable to the arrangement"
Maude's note quickly brought Mr.
Browne, and the lovers were soon on
their way to Fairy Glen.
my dar ing we are in luck's wayr'
exclaimed Jack. Your Hncle's
absence will make matters as simple as
an A b C guide. | shall have to-
morrow TO make the necessary arrange
ments. We can be married the follow
ing morning, and by the time your
uncle returns in the evening we shall be
miles away from here.
Maude acquiesced rather reluctantly.
She loved Jack dearly; but still she had
some compunction about deceiving her
uncle, who with the exception of the I'M
accountable obstinancy he had shown
toward her lover. had always been ready
to humor her. Jack, however, drew
such glowing picture of the happiness
i'm store for them and declared with so
much confidence Mai Henderson's
anger would not last more than three
weeks when once the irrevocable step
was taken that Maude was much COM
forted.
When they returned Maj Henderson
pressed Mr.. Browne to spend the even
ing at Honeysuckle Cottage. Tea being
over, the Major asked Maude if she
would mind packing his portmanteau
for him.
II have laid out the things | wish to
take, my dear. You will fit them in
more neatly than | could"
Maude was delighted to have an OPP
portunitv of doing last little kindly
act.
Directly she had left the room the
Major began fidgeting about, and
length got up and paced the room.
Suddenly turning to Mr.. Browne he
said: Comparative stranger as you
are to me. feel as if l must tell you
the nature of the business which is call
ing me to London so unexpectedly.
The blow has fallen so suddenly that to
speak of it would be an immense re-
Lief"
The stranger was all sympathetic 1T
tention in a moment.
mir Browne" continued the Major,
excitedly, ''this time yesterday believ
ed that poor girl upstairs to be the
mistress of a fairly large fortune. To-
day-if the information | received this
morning is correct-I know her to be
penniless. And that is not all; the
greater part, if not the whole, of my
income is lost also.
So sympathetic was Mr.. Browne that
he begged to know all the details.
These, however, the Major was unable
to furnish; in fact, he could explain
nothing satisfactorily. so great was the
state of excitement into which he had
worked himself.
"Hushr' he said, as he heard Maude
app, .ohing. Not word to her. l
wouldn't disturb her peace of mind for
worlds. poor girl, until | am certain
how the matter stands.
The next day, about an honr after
her uncle had left for London. Maude
received the following penciled note
from Mr.. Browne:
Ny own Darling: / am the most I'M
l. ~.